Perfect Indian Art Home Decor Ideas For This Festive Season

The festive season is in full swing right now, the sad parting of Ganpati will be softened by the coming of the nine Goddesses of Navratri, and their sad departure will take us to the celebration of Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya, the whole country rejoicing. In this entire two month period, your house will be full of light, laughter and colours. Some aesthetic and meaningful decorations are in order, then, wouldn’t you say?

But what can be both aesthetically pleasing yet meaningful at the same time? Indian native art forms come to mind—with their rural depictions that need not have an abstract meaning, for they represent a way of living and a whole culture in themselves. All regions of India developed art forms of their own, independently, hundreds of years ago. They are constantly evolving and growing yet they remain true to their roots and origins, their unique characteristics. To have knowledge of, or to contain art pieces of such art forms is an indication of culture. So let us take a deep dive into the various DIY home decor options that are connected to Indian tradition and would give your festival an authentic feel.

Cheriyal Masks on Walls

Have you seen people put up deer heads on their walls as show pieces? Well, there exists a more cultural and respectful version of that—Cheriyal masks on walls as show pieces. Cheriyal is an art form from Telangana, dating back 400 years. Traditionally, Cheriyal masks have always been an integral part of festivals, used by local storytellers in village fairs (Jataras) to narrate epic religious and folk tales. Their making itself is an art, which requires a mixture of tamarind seeds and sawdust to be applied on coconut shells, then once it has dried, hand moulding it to the desired features. Then comes the art of painting it such that subtle implications reveal the emotions portrayed. With bright colours and expressive features, Cheriyal masks on your wall would add manifold to the cultural and traditional occasion.

Warli on Earthen Pots

Decor is not always the in your face kind, there’s also a detail oriented version of decor. Like say, the kind of cups you serve tea in, the kind of fridge magnets you have, etc. Things that don’t yell "I planned this” but instead say “this is who I am”.

Warli art has a uniquely simple and elegant look to it. It speaks of culture and tradition while also being aesthetically pleasing. It is painted on village walls by local women during festivals, depicting scenes full of festive vigour. It’s the perfect art for utensils like cups, pots, and glasses. And much to your benefit, Warli is the easiest to paint, so with a basic understanding of it, you’ll be good to go! Simple patterns and geometric designs of Warli art are perfect to add a bit of Indian art to your festive decor at home, from tiny self drawn designs around a rangoli to a Warli themed artwork on your wall!

Artistic Fridge Magnets

A fridge filled with magnets is often a collection of travel memories. How about you turn yours into a canvas for festive celebration with a little bit of Indian Art!

As long as your refrigerator is visible to the roaming eye, fridge magnets are legitimately a part of home decor. Moreover, they’re very easy to create. You get to play around with clay, create any shape you like—we’d suggest sticking to animal figures as they are used as motifs in most Indian art forms—and then paint it in your preferred art form once it has dried solid. Stick a magnet behind it and you’re good to go! With the Artventures series of DIY books, our maestro courses and workshops, you can learn the skill to create wonderful Indian art designs for the festive season, and now is the perfect time to start!

Indian Art Paintings

What can be more creative and authentic than paintings? Especially Indian art paintings, because they’ve always been deeply connected to Indian festivals and traditions. Then, it was paintings on mud walls, now it’s canvas. The essence remains. You could get paintings by local artists of various art forms, or you could learn the art and paint them yourself. Whichever way you decide to go, Rooftop has got you covered. We offer courses for those interested in learning the art and also offer paintings by influential tribal and folk artists for those who appreciate traditional art and its beauty. Like the Navadurga painting by Hema Madhubani, which depicts the nine avatars of Maa Durga with such wholesomeness and feeling.

Dot Mandala Painting

Dot Mandala is the most satisfying art form ever. It is pretty to look at, is culturally significant and is a therapy in itself. Give your visitors (and yourself!) something worthwhile to look at and paint dot mandala on a canvas already. Get a canvas of your preferred size and acrylic paints, that’s all you need to get started—except for a youtube video on Dot Mandala of course. The options are innumerable with Mandala. You could create a bonding moment for your family out of it, with each of you painting and then putting them all up—a wall of art. Or better yet, you could create a whole festive art board on the wall and include your guests in this artistic activity as well. They can each paint a miniature canvas and pin it on the board. Such experiences one can create with just company and a creative mind!

Go All the Way

If you find that this is your jam and Indian art is creating a space in your heart not just your home—try learning it for real. There’s tons of courses and workshops to get you acquainted with Indian art and Rooftop even offers fun and interactive Guide books—Artventure Books—that take you step by step, motif by motif, into the intricate and deep world of Indian folk and tribal art. Downloading the Rooftop app is the first step—take it and begin your journey!